Ex-leader Kocharian’s statement on Oskanian truce offer - Heritage rep.

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian second president Robert Kocharian’s statement on stripping Prosperous Armenia member, former foreign minister Vartan Oskanian of deputy immunity was a truce offer, Heritage party’s secretary general said.

Stepan Safaryan characterized the parliamentary vote as “acid test for the authorities to show the current balance of power.”

“Ex-president Kocharian never made a mention of Prosperous Armenia party in his statement, which proves his indignation,” Heritage member said.

On October 3, the bureau of former president Robert Kocharian issued a statement on stripping ex-Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian of deputy immunity over fund misuse case.

“Having familiarized myself with the published materials of the “case” I failed to find an answer as to a link between the National Security Council, Prosecutor General’s Office and trust relationship between John Huntsman, Oskanian and Civilitas Foundation,” Kocharian said in his statement.

According to the statement, Armenian parliament discredited itself, with the Oskanian case capable of affecting the country’s reputation.

“Vartan Oskanian was one of the most efficient ministers, a politician who’s successfully overcome the test of power. He’s honest, although honesty is a rare quality with current politicians. Such people are to be valued rather than prosecuted,” Kocharian said expressing disappointment “over the absurdity of the story” and support for Oskanian.